Indian Constitution Making
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Questions and Answers

What was the main governing body responsible for drafting the constitution?

  • Constituent Assembly (correct)
  • All India Christian Council
  • Andhra Mahila Sabha
  • Provincial Legislatures

Who chaired the Drafting Committee that prepared the constitution?

  • G.Durgabai Deshmukh
  • B.R. Ambedkar (correct)
  • Jawaharlal Nehru
  • Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

How many amendments were considered during the drafting process of the constitution?

  • 2000 (correct)
  • 3000
  • 1000
  • 500

What aspect of representation did the Assembly ensure while drafting the constitution?

<p>Regional diversity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which political party predominantly influenced the Constituent Assembly?

<p>Indian National Congress (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many days did the members deliberate on the Draft Constitution?

<p>114 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group of members was represented in the Assembly besides those aligned with Congress?

<p>Different language speakers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is NOT true regarding the Constituent Assembly's members?

<p>All members were Congress supporters. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Government of India Act, 1935 in the context of the Indian Constitution?

<p>It served as a colonial law influencing constitutional debates. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When did the Constituent Assembly adopt the Indian Constitution?

<p>26 November 1949 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which figure was known for his role in the Champaran satyagraha and became the first President of India?

<p>Rajendra Prasad (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What inspired many Indian leaders during the making of the Constitution?

<p>The ideals of the French Revolution (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which date is celebrated as Republic Day in India?

<p>26 January (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many members were in the Constituent Assembly that wrote the Indian Constitution?

<p>299 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the Constitution reflects the consensus of its members?

<p>It expresses a broad consensus beyond individual views. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one outcome of the years of deliberation on the framework of the Constitution?

<p>Confidence was gained to learn from other countries. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main limitations of British rule regarding voting rights in India?

<p>Only a few individuals were granted voting rights. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of T.T. Krishnamachari in Indian history?

<p>He was a member of the Drafting Committee of the constitution. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one advantage for the makers of the Indian Constitution compared to South Africa?

<p>They did not need to create a consensus about institutional design. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of legislatures were introduced by the British in India?

<p>Weak legislatures with limited powers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When were elections to the Constituent Assembly held?

<p>July 1946. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested as an insightful activity to connect with the historical context of independence?

<p>Discussing memories with grandparents or elders. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenge did the Indian Constitution makers face during their drafting process?

<p>They had to overcome a lack of legislative experience. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the British approach elections in 1937 concerning provincial legislatures?

<p>They limited participation to a selected few. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Kanhaiyalal Maniklal Munshi's vision for India according to his views on the Constitution?

<p>An India free from all forms of inequality. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which significant role did Kanhaiyalal Maniklal Munshi hold after the Independence of India?

<p>Defence Minister in the Union Cabinet. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What core issue did Munshi address that he wanted to eliminate in India?

<p>Untouchability and social stratification. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Munshi express should be the relationship among all communities in India?

<p>Perfect harmony and cooperation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which document does Munshi argue should reflect the ideology of equality?

<p>The Constitution of India. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way did Munshi believe that the poorest individuals would feel a sense of belonging in India?

<p>With an effective voice in the nation's matters. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Munshi's beliefs regarding women's rights in the envisioned India?

<p>Women should enjoy the same rights as men. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What core principle did Munshi express about the social structure in his vision for India?

<p>Elimination of class distinctions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Dr. Ambedkar's role in the making of the Constitution?

<p>He was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concern did Dr. Ambedkar express in his concluding speech to the Constituent Assembly?

<p>The political system will not reflect social equality. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Dr. Ambedkar mean by 'life of contradictions'?

<p>Political equality without social equality. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which principle did Dr. Ambedkar refer to when discussing political rights?

<p>One man, one vote. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what capacity did Dr. Ambedkar serve post-independence?

<p>Law Minister in the first cabinet. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Shyama Prasad Mukherjee's role during the Interim Government?

<p>Minister for Industry and Supply. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key issue did Dr. Ambedkar warn would be put in peril if social inequalities persisted?

<p>Political democracy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which significant political stance did Dr. Ambedkar take against Mahatma Gandhi?

<p>Critique of Gandhi’s vision for unity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common theme expressed by Somnath Lahiri in his ambition?

<p>Wiping tears and alleviating suffering (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the Indian Constitution outlines its fundamental values?

<p>The Preamble (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept is emphasized by the preamble of most contemporary constitutions?

<p>The collective governance by the people (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way has the Indian Constitution drawn inspiration from the American model?

<p>By including a preamble (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What sentiment does the South African preamble express about its past?

<p>Recognition of past injustices (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Preamble in a constitution?

<p>To introduce the fundamental values and objectives (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ambition of wiping every tear from every eye indicates which broader social aim?

<p>Social justice and empathy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT reflect a value typically found in a constitution's preamble?

<p>Guaranteeing absolute freedom without limits (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Indian Constitution

The fundamental rules and principles that govern India.

Constituent Assembly

A body formed to create India's Constitution.

Drafting Committee

A committee within the Constituent Assembly focused on creating the constitution.

Colonial Rule

British rule in India, impacting political systems.

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Elections of 1937

Elections held for provincial legislatures and ministries in British India.

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Institutional Details/Procedures

The specific rules guiding the government's workings.

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T.T. Krishnamachari

Member of the Drafting Committee and later Finance Minister.

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Constituent Assembly Elections (1946)

The elections that took place determining the members of the Constituent Assembly.

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What was the 'Government of India Act, 1935'?

A British colonial law that laid the groundwork for India's government, influencing the future Indian Constitution.

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Why was studying other countries' constitutions important?

Indian leaders gained confidence to learn from global examples, but also to create a system uniquely suited for India.

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What role did the French Revolution play in India's Constitution?

It inspired Indian leaders with ideas of freedom and equality, shaping the ideals of the Indian Constitution.

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How did the British parliamentary democracy influence India?

It provided a model for India's own system of government, featuring a parliament and elected representatives.

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What was the impact of the US Bill of Rights on India's Constitution?

It inspired the inclusion of fundamental rights, protecting citizens from government overreach.

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How did the Russian Revolution influence India's Constitution?

It inspired Indian leaders to think about social and economic equality, impacting India's social justice goals.

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What was the importance of the Constituent Assembly?

This body, elected by the people, was responsible for drafting and adopting India's Constitution.

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When did the Indian Constitution come into effect?

The Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949, but came into effect on January 26, 1950, marking Republic Day.

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How was the Constituent Assembly chosen?

The Constituent Assembly, responsible for creating the Indian Constitution, was elected mainly by the members of the existing Provincial Legislatures, ensuring representation from all regions.

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What ensured fair geographical representation in the Constituent Assembly?

The Constituent Assembly was chosen through elections by existing Provincial Legislatures, which meant members from all regions of India were represented.

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Who dominated the Constituent Assembly?

The Indian National Congress, the party leading India’s freedom struggle, dominated the Constituent Assembly that drafted the Constitution.

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Was the Constituent Assembly a single-minded group?

While dominated by the Congress, the Constituent Assembly included members with diverse political views and opinions, reflecting the varied perspectives within the Congress itself.

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How inclusive was the Constituent Assembly?

The Assembly represented members with diverse political affiliations and ideologies, going beyond just the Congress. It also aimed to be inclusive of different social groups.

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How did the Constituent Assembly function?

The Constituent Assembly worked systematically and openly, first agreeing on basic principles and then discussing a draft prepared by the Drafting Committee led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

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How thorough was the Constitution drafting process?

The Constituent Assembly extensively debated the Draft Constitution clause by clause, considering over two thousand amendments over 114 days spread across three years.

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G.Durgabai Deshmukh

A prominent figure in the Constituent Assembly, Durgabai was an advocate and public activist for women’s emancipation, a Congress leader, and a founder of Andhra Mahila Sabha. She later became the founder chairperson of the Central Social Welfare Board.

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Who was K.M. Munshi?

K.M. Munshi was a prominent Congress leader, advocate, historian, and linguist. He played a significant role in the framing of India's Constitution. He later became a minister in the Union Cabinet and founded the Swatantra Party.

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What did K.M. Munshi want the Constitution to do?

K.M. Munshi envisioned a constitution that would liberate India from all forms of oppression, ensure equal rights for all citizens, promote harmony between communities, and eradicate social ills like untouchability and addiction.

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What was K.M. Munshi's vision for India?

K.M. Munshi envisioned an India where everyone had equal rights and opportunities, regardless of caste or class. He believed that all communities should live in harmony and social injustices like untouchability would be eliminated.

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What was the role of the Preamble?

The preamble to the Indian Constitution outlines the fundamental principles and philosophy behind its creation. It serves as a guiding document, summarizing the values and aspirations that the Constitution embodies.

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What does the Preamble tell us about the Constitution?

The Preamble highlights the Constitution's aim: to establish a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic, ensuring justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all citizens. It captures the essence of the nation's ideals and goals.

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Why is the Preamble important?

The Preamble provides a foundational understanding of the Constitution's objectives and its commitment to the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity. It serves as a guiding principle for interpreting and implementing constitutional provisions.

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What kind of society did K.M. Munshi want for India?

K.M. Munshi envisioned an India where there were no class divisions, social injustices like untouchability didn’t exist, and all communities lived in harmony. He wanted women to have the same rights as men and a society free of harmful substances.

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What role did the Preamble play in shaping the Constitution?

The Preamble set the philosophical foundation for the Constitution's creation. It informed the principles and values that guided the drafters in shaping India's legal framework, ultimately establishing a nation based on equality, justice, and fraternity.

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Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

An Indian social reformer who played a key role in writing the Indian Constitution and fought against caste inequality. He was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee.

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Ambedkar's 'Life of Contradictions'

Dr. Ambedkar's concern about the tension between political equality and social and economic inequalities in India.

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One Man, One Vote

The principle that every person has an equal right to vote, regardless of their social or economic status.

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One Man, One Value

The idea that every individual should be valued equally, regardless of their social or economic background.

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Ambedkar's Anxiety

Dr. Ambedkar's worry that India's political democracy would be threatened by its continued social and economic inequalities.

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Shyama Prasad Mukherjee

An Indian politician, lawyer, and educationist who was active in the Hindu Mahasabha and served as a minister in the Interim Government.

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Republican Party of India

A political party founded by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to advocate for the rights and interests of marginalized communities.

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Ambedkar's Critique of Gandhi?

While Dr. Ambedkar was a key figure in India's Constitution, he often criticized Gandhi's views on social reform and caste issues.

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Preamble

The introductory section of the Indian Constitution, outlining its basic values and philosophy.

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Socialist

One of the key values in the Preamble, aiming to create a society where resources and opportunities are fairly distributed.

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Secular

Another key value in the Preamble, emphasizing the separation of religion and state.

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Democratic Republic

A political system where power is held by the people, expressed through fair elections and representative government.

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Justice

One of the core principles of the Preamble, ensuring fairness and equality in the legal system and society.

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Liberty

A key value in the Preamble, guaranteeing individual freedoms and rights.

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Equality

A central value in the Preamble, promoting equal rights and opportunities for all citizens.

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Fraternity

A key value in the Preamble, emphasizing a sense of brotherhood and unity among citizens.

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Study Notes

Indian Constitution Making

  • India's constitution was drafted under challenging circumstances, like South Africa.
  • The task of drafting a constitution for a diverse country like India presented significant difficulties.
  • People of India were transitioning from subjects to citizens.
  • The country's birth was marked by partition based on religious differences, a traumatic period for both India and Pakistan.
  • Partition resulted in significant loss of life, at least 10 lakhs.
  • The integration of the princely states into India was also a complex and uncertain process.
  • The future of the nation was uncertain when the drafting process began.
  • Despite these difficulties, the freedom struggle developed a consensus on the shape of a democratic India.
  • The national movement was not merely an anti-colonial struggle but also about reforming (rejuvenating) Indian society and politics.
  • While opinions existed about the path India should take post-independence, some core beliefs were widely accepted.
  • The Motilal Nehru Committee of 1928 and the 1931 Karachi Congress resolutions outlined essential principles for the Indian constitution, like universal adult suffrage, freedom and equality, and protecting minority rights.

The Path to the Constitution

  • The makers of the Indian Constitution benefitted from the existing political and social consensus regarding the nation's future, unlike South Africa.
  • The Freedom Struggle set up a consensus about the form of democratic India.
  • Their task was not to establish the principles of a democratic India but rather to consolidate the established consensus into an actual framework.

Constituent Assembly

  • The Constituent Assembly was elected in 1946.
  • A significant first meeting was held in December 1946.
  • India's division into India and Pakistan led to the Constituent Assembly's division into two bodies.
  • The assembly that finalized the Indian Constitution was composed of 299 members.
  • The Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949, and implemented on January 26, 1950.
  • Republic Day, January 26th, commemorates this adoption.
  • The Constituent Assembly's work process, which encompassed detailed discussions and amendments over several years, established credibility.
  • Its composition represented a broad spectrum of Indian society (despite lacking full universal adult franchise).
  • The Constituent Assembly maintained a consensus about the legitimate nature of the constitution even as various groups challenged particular aspects.

Guiding Values of the Indian Constitution

  • The preamble to the Indian Constitution outlines fundamental values in a style similar to the American Constitution's preamble. The preamble's goals include creating a perfect union, establishing justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing for common defense, promoting general welfare, and securing liberty for the population and future generations.
  • It's based on existing popular consensus, which distinguishes it from some constitutions adopted elsewhere.
  • While a consensus existed, the constituent assembly was composed of a varied mix of political, social, and religious backgrounds.

Additional Notes

  • The Indian Constitution was significantly influenced by colonial laws, especially the Government of India Act 1935.
  • The Constituent Assembly comprised various leaders with varying political ideologies, with prominent members including B. R. Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajendra Prasad, etc.

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Explore the intricate process of drafting the Indian Constitution. This quiz delves into the historical context, challenges faced, and the vision shared by leaders during a transformative time in India's history. Test your knowledge on how a diverse nation like India navigated its path to becoming a democratic state.

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